Thankful for the "Purrfect" Prize

A few weeks ago I was reading one of my favorite blogs and they were having a give-away.  I was thrilled to receive an email saying I had won one of the prizes! Here is what I won:

It is hard to read here, but this beautiful heart says "Always in my heart" and it is the perfect reminder of my Angel Bobo. The heart came from the blog shop on ImpurrfectLife. The shop includes memorial pieces that you can purchase for yourself, or to give as a gift, not just at the holidays but ANYTIME!

What is My ImpurrfectLife? 

"for animal lovers who are going through the grieving process and trying to find normalcy again. It’s about moving forward after life throws you a curveball. Impurrfectlife.com manifested out of my own journey as a pet parent experiencing loss looking to reclaim joy, motivation and comfort. Life’s not perfect, so we shouldn’t expect perfection. Really and truly I think more people can identify more with authenticity and imperfection as opposed to a false sense of perfection. We may not be flawless but what we can do is make the most of everyday for a better quality life experience. That’s what I intend to do. The world needs more positivity!"

"I’ll be sharing my own experiences to find joy in everyday life, try different tips to achieve better health, and share ideas for moving forward. It is my wish that by sharing my journey other people get inspired."

 ImpurrfectLife is a heartfelt beautifully written site and if you haven't visited yet, I encourage you to do so today! You will not be disappointed!

Winner! Total Cat Mojo The Ultimate Guide To Life With Your Cat By Jackson Galaxy with Mikel Delgado, PhD

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO THE LUCKY WINNER

AS CHOSEN BY RANDOM.ORG

LISTED BELOW!

LUCKY #13

MS.ELLEN

FROM

TO VISIT HER BLOG CLICK HERE

Antifreeze Poisoning And Cats From (iCatCare) Get Your Free Poster!

For many of us the weather is becoming colder and it is a sad fact that, with the arrival of winter comes an increase in the number of cats poisoned by antifreeze.

Most antifreeze solutions (often used in cars in the winter) are based on a product called ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is very toxic to all animals when ingested, causing rapid and frequently fatal injury to the kidneys.

Cats are particularly susceptible due to their specialized metabolism. Cats only need to drink a teaspoon or less of antifreeze for it to cause serious illness and even death. So a curious lick or two from a small spillage could be enough to cause serious poisoning.

International Cat Care (iCatCare) has produced a free poster warning of the dangers of antifreeze to cats. This can be used to raise awareness of this issue and provides advice on keeping cats safe.

The poster can be downloaded for free here 

It can also be ordered from the iCatCare shop and a hard copy sent to you for a postage fee.

iCatCare’s advice  to avoid accidental poisoning:

• Clean up any spills immediately, no matter how small, and make sure pets cannot access the area until it is clean and safe.
• Never add antifreeze to garden water-features or ponds.
• Always keep antifreeze in clearly labelled, robust, sealed containers, away from pets and their environment.
• Always dispose of antifreeze safely and responsibly. Contact your local authority for advice.

If your pet shows any of the following signs

 take them to a vet immediately:

• Increased urination
• Increased drinking
• Vomiting
• Depression
• Lethargy (being abnormally sleepy)
• Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
• Seizures (fitting)
• Abnormally fast heartbeat
• Very fast, shallow breathing

The sooner veterinary treatment is received, the better their chances of survival. If left untreated pets can suffer, and will die.

Help International Cat Care  raise awareness of this serious risk and keep cats safe this winter.

For More Information click here 

#Spon Brentwood Pet Beds are GREAT for CATS too! (Discount Code and Give-Away)

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Brentwood Home, Dakota received the Brentwood Home Runyon dog bed in exchange for HIS  honest review. I'm not reviewing it here, I just want kitties to get in on the action! All opinions are Dakota's and my Mom's. I just steal beds. Especially this one, cause it's THAT GOOD!

YOU HAVE TO ENTER THE GIVE-AWAY

 ON DAKOTA'S BLOG!

THE DISCOUNT CODE IS 

ON DAKOTA'S BLOG TOO!!

Cat Reflects on "Thanks" and "Giving"

Rachael Ray Nutrish has sponsored this post, but all opinions are my own.

Hi my furiends! Today I pushed Mom away from the computer because I wanted to take the time to mew to you about a few things.

I may spend a large portion of my day sleeping, but during the time I am awake I am quite observant. Not much gets past me. As we are approaching the end of 2017 I have noticed that our world seems to be much colder, harder, and frightening than ever before. I watch my Mom when she turns on the TV every morning muttering (or crying) about yet another awful event that has taken place. Many of these events pertain to humans lashing out at each other, but often it is also humans lashing out at animals. This makes me sad. I don't want to become a fearful cat, I want to remain brave, strong and positive, so today I think it is important that I let you know about some things in my every day life that I am thankful for. Ready? Pull up your favorite pillow, grab a treat, and let's begin!

MOM AND DAD

Ok, I am going to make this part super quick because I don't want them to get a swelled head or anything, (but they ARE the ones who pawchase and distribute my daily sustenance so I must pay homage to them),I am EXTREMELY grateful for my Mom and my Dad. Mom was the one who first found me at an adoption event ten years ago at our local pet store. Mom called Dad and said "I found a special kitty that I want to adopt.", the rest is history. Dad, what can I say? My Dad is a champ. Every morning without fail I wake him up at 4am (give or take an hour either way) and suggest DEMAND that he feed me.

Super Premium Food for Cats

Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils & Salmon Recipe

Real superfood blend for complete indoor cats’ needs

Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils and Salmon Recipe is a natural food created to meet the specific needs of indoor cats. Real chicken is the #1 ingredient combined with a unique superfood blend and vitamins, minerals and taurine your indoor cat needs to keep him healthy and happy.

WINDOWS TO WATCH

THE WORLD GO BY

Ok all of you kitties with catios and NORMAL homes, you can stop laughing now! For some of us, this is as good as it gets. Yeah, I'm up high, not the best for squirrel watching but last I looked, BIRDS DO FLY!! Now I know the reason. the powers that be gave birdies wings so  that view deprived cats such as myself can still see them!  Sometimes in life you just gotta make the best out of what you have and be THANKFUL that you have it! 

THE VET AKA "DR.SMILEY" 

 Furiends you can once again STOP LAUGHING! YES I AM enjoying how "Dr.Smiley" was petting me in that photo. He is kind and gentle and remember kitties and woofies, I said that sometimes you just have to be THANKFUL and look for the good in EVERY situation! "Dr.Smiley" takes good care of me and keeps me healthy. To me that's a pretty darned good reason to have a blissful look on my face!

MY WOOFIE BROTHER

Yep I love him. I truly do. Hey if it weren't for Dakota I would never have gotten involved in this Nutrish gig, capisce???? Ok, in all seriousness, my woofie brother and I enjoy each other, we play chase, we watch TV, we have some serious conversations that are top secret! And...once again, if it weren't for Dakota I wouldn't have:

MY TREAT BALL FULL OF

 Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils and Salmon Recipe

EVERY SINGLE NIGHT!

I hope you liked my list of all of the things I am thankful for. There are many, many more but I know that you have better things to do than to sit around reading my list all day. Kitties and woofies would you be so kind as to  stay with me a few more minutes? Now my furry furiends, we all know that not every kitty and woofie is as lucky as you and I are. We have loving furmilies that feed us delicious and good-for-us food  such as Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils and Salmon Recipe, but there are many kitties without loving homes who struggle to find food every day.  That is why  now I want to talk about:

GIVING

I am proud to join Dakota in representing  Rachael Ray Nutrish. Rachael Ray cares about all animals and has a special place in her heart for animals who aren't as luck as you and I. That is why she  created:

A portion of proceeds from each sale of Nutrish is donated to The Rachael Ray Foundation,
which helps animals in need through  Rachael’s Rescue® Through September 2017,
Rachael’s Rescue has donated more than $21 million dollars to pet charities and
other organizations that do good for animals. The funds are used for food,
medical supplies, treatments, and more for animals in need. Many more animals
around the country need help, and through Rachael’s Rescue, together we can make
a difference in the lives of many four-legged friends.

So kitties, before you and your family eat soooo much that you look like THIS:

Please meow to your humans and tell them that YOU want some Nutrish Super Premium Food for Cats, and if you are an Indoor Kitty like me you will want to ask for Nutrish Indoor Complete Chicken with Lentils and Salmon Recipe. I bet you can even find some SPECIAL OFFERS AND COUPONS  ONLINE TOO!!  Just think! You will be helping  kitties and woofies that are less fortunate and eating delicious food at the same time! That would be one of many things that you (and they) can do to give back during the holiday season and all throughout the year!!! Now kitties, I have to go get some sleep and eat some more Nutrish, but in the meantime to those who will be celebrating:

and to everyone else, we THANK YOU, LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE YOU TOO!!!!! I'm gonna go and eat some more Nutrish and Mom is making some dishes to bring for Thanksgiving, and then she and Dad will be spending time with the furmily, so we won't be blogging for a few days!  Enjoy the rest of your week and we will see you MONDAY!!!

About Rachael Ray Nutrish: In 2007, with help from pet nutrition experts, Rachael Ray created Nutrish super-premium food and treats for dogs inspired by recipes from her own kitchen. In 2014, they were very excited to grow the brand into the world of cat food. Whether intended for dogs or cats, Nutrish recipes are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like real meat or fish, and do not contain poultry by-product meal or fillers.

FOLLOW NUTRISH!!

• Twitter 
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• Nutrish for Cats on Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Cat Book:Total Cat Mojo The Ultimate Guide To Life With Your Cat By Jackson Galaxy with Mikel Delgado, PhD (Give-Away)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Total Cat Mojo, I was not compensated for this book feature. 

Jackson Galaxy products as well as his books have appeared frequently on our blog. I have reviewed all three of Jackson Galaxy's books that came before his latest, Total Cat Mojo, and I have reviewed a slew of his products. I love all things Jackson Galaxy, and am pleased to be among a number of bloggers who have presented Jackson Galaxy's latest book: Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life With Your Cat, to all of YOU!

 Jackson Galaxy’s new book, Total Cat Mojo (TarcherPerigee). In his book, Jackson reveals how to understand cats better – from cat behavior to basic cat care. "This ultimate guide to life with your cat will help you eliminate feline behavioral problems by understanding cats’ instinctive behavior."

Before you can truly appreciate Jackson's book you have to understand what "Mojo" means.  From Urban Dictionary: Mojo is a noun originally used to mean a magic charm or spell or an amulet, often in the form of a small bag containing magic items worn by adherents of hoodoo or voodoo, or it could mean a quality or some ability that brings good luck or helps you be good at something.  it has entered the English language and has also taken on an additional meaning of personal confidence and charisma. 

Jackson Galaxy defines "Mojo" in PEOPLE AND CATS, as having a swagger, confidence, "you have it going on and don't have to prove yourself to anyone!" Jackson Galaxy further defines Cat Mojo "as the confidence that cats exhibit when they are at ease in their environment and in touch with their natural instincts to hunt, catch, kill, eat, groom and sleep." 

The word mojo first received widespread exposure in the song Got My Mojo Working which was written by Preston Foster.

Jackson traces the lineage of cats (From "Raw Cat to Your Cat") to show us and to have us understand the connection between cats "then" and "now", and to show us (as if WE didn't know!) how lucky we are to have cats in our lives.  Most of us reading this KNOW how lucky we are to have cats in our lives, but it is Jackson's hope that this comprehensive tome will reach the hands and eyes of those who DEEPLY need to learn all that is written in Total Cat Mojo to help prevent cats from being returned to shelters, deserted and worse.

 

Total Cat Mojo will answer questions such as:

• Who is the raw cat?
• Take away the cat beds, toys, etc. and you will find the "Raw Cat" The "Raw Cat" is your cat's ancestral twin. You can learn more by purchasing the book!
• Which mojo archetype is my cat?
• Spoiler Alert! I learned that my Cody (who possesses TONS of "Cat Mojo") is a "Mojito Cat" The "Mojito Cat" is social, a true "people" cat. He has to greet everyone who enters his environment. He eagerly seeks to be petted and welcomes being petted. He walks with a "swagger" and is loaded with confidence. That's my Cody! There is sooo much more but once again, you will have to read the book to find out!
• 
  

FROM THE PUBLISHER: This comprehensive guide helps cat parents avoid common issues that arise in homes today by helping them understand their cats' innate drives (what he calls the "Raw Cat") and offers the tools and knowledge to create a healthy family dynamic. 

Jackson Galaxy Also Discusses:

Cat Communication: what the trills, purrs yowls, meows etc. mean. "What is the talkative cat saying?"

How to be the ultimate cat parent: the vital role we play in our cats' quality of life, how best to approach dreaded activities (trips to the vet, etc.)

Strengthening Your Mojo Toolbox: the main goal is not about "fixing your cat," it is about exploring cat guardianship as a two-way street, a relationship where compromise achieves harmony.

"Whether addressing the optimal diet, tackling common social challenges, or getting the most out of your daily playtime routine, this book covers the head-to-toe physical and emotional needs of all cats, from kittenhood to the senior years and every life state in between. Total Cat Mojo is the must-have cat care bible for any cat lover."

INTRIGUED?

Purchase a copy  or ENTER TO WIN OUR GIVE-AWAY!!!! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG POST STATING THAT YOU WISH TO BE ENTERED. IT'S THAT EASY!! ONE PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE U.S.A WILL RECEIVE A COPY OF TOTAL CAT MOJO....

About the Authors: Jackson Galaxy is a cat behaviorist and the host of Animal Planet's hit show

 My Cat from Hell and their upcoming show Cat Meets Dog. He is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!). Jackson is also the author of Cat Daddy: What the World's Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean. 

Mikel Maria Delgado is co-owner of Feline Minds, a San Francisco Bay area based cat behavior consulting business. She is currently working on her doctorate in psychology at the University of California at Berkeley, studying animal behavior and human-animal relationships.

It's “M I C. K E Y. M O U S E! Mickey Mouse!"

"Hey there, Hi there, Ho there!!" Welcome boys and girls, cats and dogs!!! I was so excited when I read that today is Mickey Mouse Day!!   Why? Because I am a child of the 50s (yes, I am a relic from the Stone Age), and when I was around five years old I was COMPLETELY obsessed with Mickey Mouse!

Every day I would watch the Mickey Mouse Club, as I am sure that many of you reading this blog did too!  ( I had the Mouse Ears also!) When the closing theme song would play, I would be sad that I had to wait until the next day for another episode.

There was no color TV back then, everything was in black and white, but in my five year old mind, Mickey was REAL!! A walking, talking, red shorts wearing ADORABLE MOUSE. I thought the kids that were members of the Mickey Mouse Club were the luckiest and coolest kids in the World!
  (I also couldn't understand why Karen spelled her name funny....but I digress....).........

I tried to share my excitement and memories of Mickey Mouse with Cody. I figured since Mickey was a MOUSE, well....cats LOVE mice, right?

I guess not..................

Anyway, hoping you all have a great weekend!
 "WHY? BECAUSE WE LIKE YOU!!!"

Blogging Cats Calendar 2018- Hurry! 25% off expires November 16!

Cover Art by Ann Adamus of Zoolatry

Looking for the PURRFECT gift for a cat lover in 2018?

Are you a blogger who has a New Years "intention" (I HATE the word "resolution" , it is too definitive and confining, but I digress....) of being better organized?

I don't know about you, but if  I didn't maintain an editorial calendar for each of my blogs I would be even more disorganized than I am now!

That being said, you do NOT have to be a blogger to enjoy seeing some of your favorite kitties from the blogs you love, (and some you have yet to meet!),  beautifully showcased in the

  2018 Blogging Cats Calendar 

One of MANY things that I love about this calendar is that the area where you  write  is large enough to include quite a bit of information. I use my calendar EVERY SINGLE DAY WITHOUT FAIL. I literally would not be able to function without it.  Have writer's block? I can't begin to tell you the number of times this calendar has been the impetus for a post on my blog(s).

I have seen comments on blogs when people blog about a certain event and someone will say they "didn't know about it." Well, there is a good chance if they have this calendar that will NOT happen again!

Kitties from all over the world submitted photos to Mom Paula from the adorable blog, Sweet Purrfections (starring Truffles and Brulee), who had the painstaking and rather daunting task of adding all of the kitties to this incredible "week-at-a-glance" planner! Once again, Mom Paula outdid herself. The calendar is exquisite!  And...this year there are special contributions to the calendar (keep reading this post to learn more!) 

CLICK HERE TO ORDER!!

Price: $34.99

Prints in 3-5 business days

This weekly planner is perfect for someone who blogs about their cats or who loves photos of beautiful cats from around the world. This full-colored weekly planner contains photo collages of blogging cats from around the world.

 Each week contains national and international standard holidays, special pet holidays and celebrations, and weird & funny days of the year.

 Each month features an article about cats from well-known cat writers. Featured cat writers include Deborah Barnes, Susan C Willett, B J Bangs, Dawn White, Caren Gittleman (that would be me!!) , Bonnie Elizabeth Koenig, Lisa Richman, Amy Shojai, Janiss Garza, Kate Benjamin, Julie McAlee, Sue Doute, and Paula Gregg. I have read each submission and they are meowvelous!!

If you want to read my submission
 and the fabulous submissions by others, BUY THE CALENDAR!

World Kindness Day

Cats (and their stories) Needed For Cat Calendar 2019 !! (Yes...2019!)

Fellow Tabby Cat, Barn Cat Petunia seeks help from cats around the world!  Her human, artist,
Alex Hubbell has obsessively painted her throughout the year. It’s time to broaden horizons for both animal and artist. Petunia’s calling all cat lovers to share photos and stories for the 2019 calendar. 

Photo Courtesy of Alex Hubbell

TWELVE OF THE BEST CAT STORIES WILL BE CHOSEN from all submissions. Alex will create an original artwork based on the winning kitties for each month in 2019. To get involved and submit your story visit us at on 

Kickstarter

"My cat, Petunia, may be the star in this year's calendar, but next year, I want to paint cats from around the world, and I need your help. Either you love cats, or you know someone who does, and you have a story to tell.  

So please, send me your cats, because I need 12 FRESH felines to be featured in next year’s edition.  If you send me a photo and a quick story with your backer survey, I will be painting a selection of your cats throughout this year.  You could be part of a Commissioned Cat Calendar for 2019!  So, please, join me! I can’t wait to see what stories you have to share."

Au Revoir Sweet Loustiquette

Loustiquette

1 May 2002 - 30 October 2017

Photo used with permission 

My heart broke when I read about sweet Loustiquette becoming  an angel. 

Sweet, chubby, I was partial to her because I often felt when I would visit her blog that if I were to come back in this life as a cat, I would BE HER.

Photo used with permission

She was deeply loved by her family and they are simply devastated by her sudden illness and passing.

Photo used with permission

Loustiquette thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Thank you for showing us how to enjoy sun puddles and lolling by the pool. Your leaving so soon has filled me with great sadness. Sending love and sympathy to your kitty sibling and to your family. You are free of pain sweet girl. I will miss you always. With much love and my deepest sympathy.

 For those who want to send messages of sympathy, you can do so here. 

Cat Will Have You Relaxed in 48 Seconds

Did it work?

Dona Nobis Pacem #Blog4Peace

Mimi Lenox  is the  Creator and Founder of Blog4Peace.com, an online global peace initiative that has been celebrated by thousands of people, She has  come to understand " the pervasive significance and influence of blogs and websites on our society, our consciousness, and on this planet now deemed a global neighborhood."

She receives peace globes from all over the world on a regular basis.
"November 4th is the day we blog for peace. Every year. The same day. One subject. One day. One voice. As of Nov 2017, we are six continents and 214 countries/territories strong... and counting..."

Now more than ever may we "find peace in these overwhelming times."